Fall 2011 Library eNewsletter

1. MS 80x Library Learning Commons
eNewsletter
FALL 2011
CHRIS GIBSON, LIBRARIAN
www.library80x.org

2. Contents
 About the Learning Commons
 Open access
 Class visits how-to
 Online catalog
 Online database and ebooks
 Library data
 Slide show how-to
 Contact and social media
www.library80x.org

3. About the Library Learning Commons in room 401…
Mission Statement
The Library Learning Commons is a space that
encourages creativity and discovery, and inspires
students and staff to work with information in all
formats. We live and work in a digital environment;
students need and deserve a 21st century education
and learning environment. Our students and
teachers are invited to learn the necessary skills to
live, work, and thrive in the 21st century. (cont.)
Source: http://comminfo.rutgers.edu/~rtodd/publications.htm
www.library80x.org

4. About the Library Learning Commons …(cont.)
 Here, we embrace these four core values:
Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, and
Community. Keeping these four core values in mind,
we will continuously strive to meet these five challenges:
 School libraries are knowledge centers, not information
places.
 There will be evidence-based practice here.
 We will build partnerships and teams.
 We will engage Web 2.0 tools to develop deep inquiry.
 We will re-imagine school libraries. (cont.)
Source: http://comminfo.rutgers.edu/~rtodd/publications.htm
www.library80x.org

5. About the Library Learning Commons …(cont.)
 We are social learners. We value social experiences
that blend communication and learning. Authentic
understanding and knowledge are constructed
through personal experience and reflection. This is
why the Library Learning Commons aims to be the
hub of inquiry. This is the place where the entire
school community can learn, create, teach, and
network.
Source: http://comminfo.rutgers.edu/~rtodd/publications.htm
www.library80x.org

6. Open Access
 Did you know that periods of student Open Access
vary each day? Open Access (OA) times can be
viewed each morning by 8:00 on the library
calendar at
https://sites.google.com/site/libraryroom401/calendar
 and at http://twitter.com/#!/libraryroom401
 You can also check the paper calendar on the door
at room 401.
 Staff have access to the Library anytime I am there.
www.library80x.org

7. Class Visits
To schedule a class visit for book circulation or for
research, you can go to
http://sites.google.com/site/libraryroom401/teachers to
submit a request. You can also call me at x4013.
It’s best to plan in advance!
www.library80x.org

8. Online catalog
You can browse the library’s collection 24/7 at
http://sites.google.com/site/libraryroom401/home
Just click on CATALOG.
www.library80x.org

9. Online Database
Students, staff and parents have access to our database
for research and information. This year we are
continuing our subscription to Infotrac Student
Resource Center Junior.
Visit http://sites.google.com/site/libraryroom401/databases
See me for the password.
www.library80x.org

10. Ebooks
MS 80x subscribes to digital books for our learning
community. All titles are available 24/7 from any
computer. We have TumbleReadables, Capstone
Interactive Library, and our ever-growing Follett
Shelf.
All can be found at
http://sites.google.com/site/libraryroom401/databases
which is on the school library web site. See Ms. Gibson
for passwords.
www.library80x.org

11. Why TumbleReadables?
 TumbleReadables feature adjustable online text and
complete audio narration. Sentences are highlighted
as they are being read and the pages turn
automatically.
 This is great for emergent, struggling, and reluctant
readers, as well as an excellent tool for ESL.
 See Ms. Gibson for passwords
www.library80x.org

12. Why Capstone?
 Capstone helps struggling readers gain confidence
and achieve success with reading. Capstone
Interactive Library™ is a technology-based approach
to help preK-grade 8 students practice reading and
learn vocabulary and pronunciation skills.
 See Ms. Gibson for passwords
www.library80x.org

13. Why Follett Shelf ebooks?
 In addition to Capstone and TumbleReadables, our
library has Follett Shelf eBooks. You can read full-
length fiction and nonfiction titles. Teachers can
also find valuable teaching resources to use on
interactive white boards.
 See Ms. Gibson for passwords.
www.library80x.org

14. Library Data: Book Circulation
Sept. 27 – Nov. 29 2011
Total book circulation 901
Grade 6 circulation 304
Grade 7 circulation 220
Grade 8 circulation 352
Staff and parent 25
circulation
www.library80x.org

15. More Library Data: Patrons
Individual library patrons
who signed in between
Sept. 27 – Nov. 29 2011
751
www.library80x.org

16. More Library Data: Class Visits
Sept. 27 – Nov. 29 2011
Class Visits (excluding my teaching program):
A total of 23 class visits were logged.
Teachers are encouraged to arrange for class visits in
advance.
www.library80x.org

17. Class Shout-Outs!
By grade, these classes borrowed the MOST books:
 Class 603 borrowed 128 books
 Class 701 borrowed 137 books
 Class 803 borrowed 91 books

www.library80x.org

18. Slide Show How-to
If you want to create slides to support
instruction, I suggest Google Docs. If you
want some pointers, I can help! All you need
is a gmail account and a flash drive. You
might want to create a free account on
http://www.slideshare.net/ too.
www.library80x.org

19. Contact
Chris Gibson, MLS
Middle School 80x
149 East Mosholu Parkway
Bronx, New York 10467
718.405.6300 x 4013
cgibson04@gmail.com
Find the library social media at
http://sites.google.com/site/libraryroom401/funplaces
www.library80x.org